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Sprinter Camper Conversion Tour: Our Family’s Home on Wheels

Updated: Aug 15

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We took a 170” wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter van and transformed it into a bright, airy, yacht-inspired home on wheels. Originally designed for a couple, this build evolved with us as our family grew — now perfectly suited for a family of three plus a dog.


With our sailing background, we intentionally chose marine-grade components for their superior quality, durability, and ability to withstand harsh environments. This Sprinter camper conversion was crafted for both everyday comfort and long-haul adventures. We lived in it full-time for extended periods, completely comfortable through every season, as we explored Canada, the USA, and Mexico in what we fondly call our Beach House on Wheels.


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Why a Sprinter Van?

For us, a Sprinter van offers the perfect mix of reliability, space, and flexibility for custom builds. We find them extremely fuel efficient considering they are carrying the weight of a tiny home. Since we often travel without a plan, we also wanted something stealth.


Our design inspiration came from yacht interiors — bright, functional, and uncluttered. Every inch had to serve a purpose.


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The Layout

We opted for a fixed bed in this build. The sideways-facing seat/couch and surrounding windows create panoramic views from anywhere we park. The seat folds flat to make a bed for our toddler, and we even sewed a mesh crib enclosure with D-rings in the ceiling for a secure, adaptable sleeping space.


The kitchen is fully equipped with:

  • A propane two-burner stove

  • A sink with marine-grade plumbing

  • A 12V fridge

  • Stunning live-edge countertops


The electrical system is top-tier, capable of running our espresso machine with ease. We have a YouTube video where we go in depth on our systems and give a full tour of the van. Check it out!



We have also created a shopping list with the components we used on this built for both people in the USA and Canada. Find all the links below.


This van has moved on to new owners to make their own adventures with it. We are now building a 2024 4WD Sprinter Van for our family of 4 + dog. We are documenting the whole process, so make sure to subscribe to our channel to follow the build along.


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Shopping List 🇨🇦


Cabinetry:

Push to open knobs: https://amzn.to/413UrWS


Plumbing: 

Jabsco Marine Pump: https://amzn.to/4meRHhV

SeaFlo accumulator pump: https://amzn.to/4fx9NZM

Kuuma Marine Water Heater: https://amzn.to/4oxwGR7

Shower head holder: https://amzn.to/45BugIq

Dometic Casette toilet: https://amzn.to/3UrofZN


Ventilation & Heating: 

AirPlus Fan: Link coming soon! 

Caframo marine fan: https://amzn.to/4mPgrx7

Eberspacher diesel heater: https://amzn.to/45iNSCk

Eberspacher programmable timer: https://amzn.to/45OyqOc


Electrical System: 

Solar panels: We used Canadian solar for this built, but have since found a more efficient favourite: https://amzn.to/419ep2p

AIMS power inverter: https://amzn.to/4lpIfXL

Ampper Battery Disconnect Switch: https://amzn.to/4oAJfuN

Power Distribution Bus Bar: https://amzn.to/45f5RJJ

Waterproof Toggle Rocker Switch Panel: https://amzn.to/416l9Ou

Victron BMV Battery Monitor: https://amzn.to/4meavNZ

Victron MPPT Solar Charge Controller: https://amzn.to/3JfQTL6

Victron DC to DC Charger: https://amzn.to/47tMs9d

E9 40 Amp Circuit Breakers: https://amzn.to/4oExDqQ

Fridge controller: https://amzn.to/419t5P4

Recessed Lights: https://amzn.to/46NYs5k

Heat Shrink Butt Connectors: https://amzn.to/4m6OOPY

Heat Shrinkable Tubing: https://amzn.to/4fB8Qje

USB-A Charging Ports: https://amzn.to/3UtJHgA


Sound System

Android Car Stereo: https://amzn.to/4fzFxxf

Installation Dash Kit: https://amzn.to/45y6ugw


Misc: 

Viking Propane Tank: https://amzn.to/45XA0wr

Magnets for DIY blinds: https://amzn.to/3Uu8DEK


Tools: 

Crimping tool with cutter: https://amzn.to/4mc7fme

Fluke Clamp Meter: https://amzn.to/4oAay8r

Kreg Concealed Jig and Face Clamp: https://amzn.to/4lpAm4w

Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig: https://amzn.to/45NOjVg 


Shopping List 🇺🇸


Cabinetry:


Push to open knobs: https://amzn.to/3UZbbLd


Plumbing: 


Inline filter: https://amzn.to/4mi64C7 

Jabsco Marine Pump: https://amzn.to/3V4yrr7

SeaFlo accumulator Tank: https://amzn.to/419gawx

Kuuma Marine Water Heater: https://amzn.to/3UtLqCA

Dometic Casette toilet: https://amzn.to/47Bq1Ps

Shower head holder: https://amzn.to/45BlBG0


Ventilation:


AirPlus Fan: Link coming soon! 

Caframo marine fan: https://amzn.to/4mh8LDL

Eberspacher diesel heater:  https://amzn.to/4mF3c1B

Eberspacher programmable timer: https://amzn.to/4lqgePO


Electrical System: 


Solar panels: We used Canadian solar for this built, but have since found a more efficient favourite: https://amzn.to/3HnwtPF

Victron MPPT Solar Charge Controller: https://amzn.to/4fGm6mO 

Victron BMV Battery Monitor: https://amzn.to/3V3Ll8M

E9 40 Amp Circuit Breakers: https://amzn.to/4oyBQvZ 

Power Distribution Bus Bar: amzn.to/45PzcdW

Victron DC to DC Charger: https://amzn.to/3V0xT5H

Ampper Battery Disconnect Switch: https://amzn.to/4fw9bDC

AIMS power inverter: https://amzn.to/45ltnoo

Waterproof Toggle Rocker Switch Panel: https://amzn.to/416l39A

Fridge controller: https://amzn.to/4oH5oru

Heat Shrink Butt Connectors: https://amzn.to/4lq3YP9

Heat Shrinkable Tubing: https://amzn.to/413FWCe

USB-A Charging Ports: https://amzn.to/4lmdB1b


Sound System:


Android Car Stereo: https://amzn.to/3UmJMml


Misc: 


Viking Propane Tank: https://amzn.to/3UZCpBk

Magnets for DIY blinds: https://amzn.to/3UrSJea


Tools:


Crimping tool with cutter: https://amzn.to/4fF4FmC

Fluke Clamp Meter: https://amzn.to/47rsaNG

Kreg Concealed Jig and Face Clamp: https://amzn.to/3V5G6FD

Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig: https://amzn.to/45f2SB1


This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

 
 
 

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